2002 Silver Proof Gilt Coin Golden Jubilee Defender of the Faith Fiji 10 Dollars

Description

2002 Silver Proof Gilt Coin Golden Jubilee Defender of the Faith Fiji 10 Dollars.
RARE: One of only 15,000 coins allocated to include in the Golden Jubilee Collections distributed worldwide.
PLEASE NOTE: The encapsulated proof gilt coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive. This particular coin appears to be in excellent mint condition. In certain light there may be the slightest blush of toning across the reverse side, but this is not evident in all types of light. It is not uncommon to occasionally find tiny dust particles enclosed with the coin & there may also be some mild scuffs & scratches found on the surface of the mint capsule. We try to be as accurate & honest as possible so you can make an informed decision about adding this coin to your collection. This coin has never been removed from the original mint capsule.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II Golden Jubilee Collection
FIJI
Since the Reformation British monarchs having taken a public vow to “maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel”, have been declared head of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith. Since her confirmation shortly before her sixteenth birthday, the Queen has demonstrated an unshakeable faith and therefore, like her predecessors, willingly undertook the same Coronation Oath and accepted the proffered Bible as being 'the most valuable thing that this world affords'. The Sovereign's title as Defender of the Faith first appeared on coins of the realm in the reign of George I and, in abbreviated form, the words FIDEI DEFENSOR now form part of the inscription on all legal tender coins of the United Kingdom. The Queen's title as Defender is now celebrated on the Golden Jubilee coin from Fiji. A sword, symbol of defence and protection, is set against the gothic arches of a church interior while a soft plush cloth, appropriately adorned with a crucifix, tempers the sword's sharp edge and denotes a peaceful role.
Defender of the Faith
SPECIFICATIONS
Denomination: Ten Dollars
Obverse designer: Raphael Maklouf
Reverse designer: Matthew Bonaccorsi
Alloy: Sterling .925 silver with the Queen's portrait highlighted in 22-carat gold
Diameter: 38.61 M
Weight: 28.28 GMS
Quality: Proof
Issue Limit: 20,000 may be struck as
individual pieces, of which a quantity will be reserved for inclusion in the Golden Jubilee Collection.
A maximum of 15,000 collections will be made available for worldwide distribution.
Several swords are used at the Coronation Service but the jeweled Sword of Offering is, by tradition, the sovereign's personal sword. At Coronations it is used for the Girding ritual and in a beautiful act of symbolism is delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the sovereign who in turn offers it to the Altar from which it is redeemed for its supposed value of 100 shillings. Until 1902 a new sword of offering was provided at each Coronation but that used at the Queen's Coronation was originally made for George IV at the then enormous cost of nearly £6,000. The hilt, pommel, grip and quillons are all set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, the blade of Damascus steel is etched in blue and gold, and the sword is sheathed in a gold-covered leather scabbard decorated with the national emblems of England, Scotland and Ireland.
The Queen's role as Defender of the Faith and the choir singing at the Queen's Coronation in Westminster Abbey are the chosen themes for the two Golden Jubilee coins from Fiji. A musical note echoing in the gothic arches in the background of the 'Defender' coin provides a link with the choristers and organ pipes on the 'Choir'
Do not miss this opportunity to acquire this beautiful proof silver & gold-gilt commemorative coin for your collection!